Achieving Accessibility in British Columbia: Navigating Compliance with the Accessible British Columbia Act
This course is designed to guide organizations in British Columbia through the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act (ABCA). Participants will learn to develop accessibility plans, comply with accessibility standards, and create inclusive environments by addressing barriers in policies, practices, and infrastructure.
The training will focus on understanding the ABCA’s accessibility standards for customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the built environment. It will also emphasize the importance of proactive planning, consultation with persons with disabilities, and fostering organizational accountability.
ABCA Compliance Course Overview
This course is designed to help organizations in British Columbia understand and implement the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act (ABCA). Participants will explore the Act’s framework, including the development of accessibility committees, plans, and feedback mechanisms. The course also covers proactive strategies to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in alignment with the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equality.
Course Duration
2 Days (16 hours)
- Day 1: Introduction, Framework, and Committees
- Day 2: Accessibility Plans, Feedback Mechanisms, and Compliance Strategies
Format:
- Virtual or In-person sessions
- Interactive activities, workshops, and case studies
Assessment:
- End-of-course quiz
- Practical assignment: Drafting a compliant accessibility plan
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the Accessible BC Act and its legal requirements.
- Establish effective accessibility committees and feedback mechanisms.
- Develop and implement comprehensive accessibility plans.
- Identify and remove barriers in their organizations proactively.
- Build a culture of inclusion that supports accessibility.
Materials Provided:
- Course slides and handouts
- Compliance checklists and templates
- Access to additional resources
- Certificate of Completion
Target Audience
AODA/ACA Compliance Help
Is Your Organization Undergoing an Audit? Need Expert Help with Your Compliance Report?
Course Curriculum
Day 1: Foundations and Framework
Module 1: Introduction to the Accessible BC Act
Objective: Understand the legislative framework, principles, and purpose of the ABCA.
Topics Covered:
- History and Purpose of the Accessible BC Act
- Enacted in 2021 to establish a framework for reducing barriers in British Columbia.
- Long-term goal: A barrier-free BC by 2040.
- Applicability:
- Applies to public sector organizations, including municipalities, government ministries, and others designated under regulation.
- Core Principles:
- Dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.
- Benefits of Accessibility:
- Social inclusion, economic opportunities, and compliance with human rights obligations.
- Discussion:
- Exploring the current state of accessibility in BC organizations.
Activities:
- Case study: Analyzing accessibility challenges in BC municipalities.
Module 2: Accessibility Framework under the ABCA
Objective: Learn the foundational components of accessibility compliance under the ABCA.
Topics Covered:
- Accessibility Standards Development:
- Areas for future standards (e.g., employment, education, customer service, transportation).
- Process for developing and updating standards in consultation with stakeholders.
- Key Compliance Requirements:
- Accessibility committees.
- Accessibility plans.
- Feedback mechanisms.
Activities:
- Group discussion: Identifying priority areas for accessibility standards in specific sectors.
Module 3: Establishing Accessibility Committees
Objective: Understand the purpose, structure, and operation of accessibility committees.
Topics Covered:
- Purpose and Role of Accessibility Committees:
- Advising on barriers and solutions.
- Ensuring consultation with persons with disabilities.
- Committee Membership:
- Minimum representation requirements (e.g., 50% of members must be persons with disabilities or have relevant lived experience).
- Effective Operation:
- Best practices for meetings, reporting, and decision-making.
Activities:
- Workshop: Developing a structure and membership plan for an accessibility committee.
Day 2: Planning, Feedback, and Implementation
Module 4: Developing Accessibility Plans
Objective: Create, implement, and maintain effective accessibility plans.
Topics Covered:
- Accessibility Plans under the ABCA:
- Content requirements: policies, actions, and timelines to address barriers.
- Annual updates and reviews.
- Best Practices for Accessibility Planning:
- Consultation with persons with disabilities.
- Setting measurable goals and tracking progress.
- Aligning Plans with Organizational Priorities:
- Integrating accessibility into broader strategic planning.
Activities:
- Practical exercise: Drafting an outline of an accessibility plan.
Module 5: Establishing Feedback Mechanisms
Objective: Learn to create accessible, user-friendly feedback systems.
Topics Covered:
- Legal Requirements for Feedback Mechanisms:
- Accessible methods for collecting and addressing feedback.
- Encouraging Participation:
- Strategies to increase engagement from persons with disabilities.
- Responding to Feedback:
- Effective processes for addressing concerns and closing feedback loops.
Activities:
- Group activity: Designing a feedback mechanism that meets accessibility requirements.
Module 6: Compliance and Accountability
Objective: Ensure ongoing compliance with the ABCA through monitoring, reporting, and cultural change.
Topics Covered:
- Monitoring and Reporting Progress:
- Techniques for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.
- Cultural Change:
- Building organizational commitment to accessibility.
- Preparing for Future Standards:
- Staying informed about emerging standards and adjusting plans as needed.
Activities:
- Final workshop: Conducting a mock accessibility audit.
Each module is structured to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and hands-on activities, ensuring participants are well-equipped to meet AODA compliance effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
All employers, employees, volunteers, and contractors working in organizations with more than one employee in Ontario are required to complete AODA compliance training.
We offer both online and in-person training options to provide flexibility and convenience for your team.
Non-compliance can result in significant fines:
- Up to $50,000 per day for individuals.
- Up to $100,000 per day for corporations.
Our training program simplifies the process by offering practical insights and step-by-step guidance. It is tailored to meet the needs of different organizations, ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and how to implement accessibility practices effectively.
Small businesses can achieve compliance by:
- Training their staff.
- Creating an accessibility plan.
- Following the customer service standard.
- Ensuring communication and websites are accessible.
Our training program provides tailored solutions for small businesses.